Western Thrace commemorates January 29 National Resistance and Social Solidarity Day
The Turkish Minority of Western Thrace gathered in Komotini (Gümülcine) to commemorate January 29 National Resistance and Social Solidarity Day, in an event organized by the Western Thrace Turkish Minority Advisory Board. The program highlighted both the 1988 National Resistance Day and the 1990 events, reflecting on the historical struggle and ongoing challenges of the community.
Ceremony at the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Association
The event took place at the Gümülcine Turkish Youth Association, moderated by journalist Hülya Emin. Key speakers included Gümülcine Mufti İbrahim Şerif and Dr. Pervin Hayrullah, General Director of the Western Thrace Minority Culture and Education Company (BAKEŞ). The ceremony opened with a minute of silence in honor of those who have fought for the Turkish Minority over the years.
In his opening remarks, Mustafa Trampa, President of the Advisory Board and Mufti of İskeçe, emphasized the historical significance of January 29 for the Turkish Minority. Trampa paid tribute to the leaders who amplified the community’s voice during critical times.
Historical Context and Minority Struggles
Dr. Hayrullah presented an overview of the challenges faced by the Turkish Minority, tracing back to the Treaty of Lausanne and highlighting the pressures and rights violations leading up to January 29, 1988. She noted that the events were rooted in anti-Lausanne policies targeting the minority.
Mufti İbrahim Şerif, who personally witnessed the events of 1988, shared his experiences and recounted the difficult period leading up to 1990, including the legal challenges faced alongside Dr. Sadık Ahmet and their time in prison.
Special Guests and Community Participation
As part of this year’s commemoration, Victory Party leader Ümit Özdağ visited the event and delivered a brief speech.
The ceremony was attended by Turkey’s Consul General in Komotini, Aykut Ünal, and his wife İlayda Ünal, Rodopi MP Özgür Ferhat, DEB Party President Çiğdem Asafoğlu, Yassıköy Mayor Caner İmam, Kozlukebir Mayor Erdem Hüseyin, advisory board members, local association leaders, and numerous members of the Turkish Minority in Western Thrace.
The event reinforced the community’s commitment to preserving its identity, cultural heritage, and rights, while honoring the memory of those who resisted decades of systematic pressures and discrimination.
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Western Thrace commemorates January 29 National Resistance & Social Solidarity Day. Leaders, community members, and Turkish Minority advocates gathered in Komotini to honor the historic struggle of 1988 and 1990.
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